The Religions and the Lessons They Teach - Essay Example

?Religion Inserts His/Her Inserts Grade Inserts 2nd May, Introduction Different religious groups and societies have different beliefs and practices that set them apart making each religion unique. However, among these religious groups there are practices and beliefs that are homogenous such as the belief in one God or Supreme Being. Moreover, these religious groups have rich lessons upon which a person can draw important lessons in life. The practices and teachings of people in different societies are explored through religions such as Hinduism or Taoism in books or writing that explains events or teachings of these religions. This essay will explore the important lessons drawn from the teachings of these different religions as narrated through writings. Overview Several lessons can be drawn from the practices and religious beliefs of different religions in the world. Some of these religions include Shamanism, Pagan or Upanishads have unique lessons that can be drawn from these religions. One of the common lessons that can be drawn from the different religions is the use of myths to explain or pass on different beliefs. For instance, the Greek and Mesopotamian cultures explain the origin of human life through use of different myths. We witness the myth of the Epic of Gilgamesh, whereby the creation of human life is better explained through the use of the myth. The use of myths is common in several religions since it is used to explain the inexplicable. The Mesopotamian culture has a belief that the creation of human beings was done to free the lesser gods from their oppressive labors. Among the Greek culture, we witness the Homeric Hymns which were used in explaining different occurrences between different people. For instance, circumstances such as sibling rivalry is best explained by in the Homeric Hymns through the story of Apollo and Hermes who were brothers competing against each other. The creation and control of the earth is a great learning point that could be used in drawing lessons about mysteries of life. The Kena Upanishad among the Hindus is used in explaining the order of the world. Moreover, it brings out the story on creation among the Hindu society (Parmananda 89). Taoism is another religion that makes use of myths to explain the creation of the world. Tao Te Ching makes use of symbolism in the different myths to reflect the power of the Tao, he elucidates that the origin of all things and how unimaginable is the Tao. This is used in explaining that the origin of all things in the world emanates from a Supreme Being like the Tao. Consequently, in the Upanishads, the origin and the creation of the earth is explained trough use of different myths. Death is explained to Nachiketa by the Seer and this knowledge gets the reader to know more concerning the religion trough the use of myths. The existence of a Supreme Being and the connection between this Supreme Being and human beings is another lesson we learn. From the different religions, we get to know that human beings have always interacted with gods in different circumstances. For instance, the Homeric Hymns elucidates on the relationship that existed between gods such as Zeus and Human beings. Moreover, gods like Demeter lived among human beings and visited many people during her stay on earth. In Taoism, we notice that the relation of God (Tao) and human beings is emphasized through the work of the Tao. When we lean on Tao and its teachings, we get to know that God and people work together to achieve different purposes in life. Taoism teaches obedience since all understanding and power comes from Tao (Tzu 74). The relation between God and human beings is better emphasized in the Kena Upanishad whereby we get to know that we cannot understand ourselves if we do not understand God. The knowledge of the Brahman is important in fostering good relation between God and people. Among the Mesopotamian culture, religion was used in fostering good relations between gods and the people. The myth of Atrahasis is used in explaining religion in the Mesopotamian culture and it from this myth we get to know that human beings were created to undertake work delegated from gods. This shows that gods had the intention of interacting with human beings in their pursuit of life and keeping the earth in order. In the teachings of Holy Grail, we get to know that God intends to keep the life of the human beings to be rewarding. This is because in this story we get to know that Perceval was taught on how to pray by his mother. This was an important lesson since it was meant to bring human beings closer to God. The existence of Supreme Beings among different religions is the fundamental pedestal for the existence of the different religions (Troyes 99). The most important lesson learnt from the different myths emanating from different religions is that human beings must have a religion. This is because; religion helps in enhancing and enriching the lives of human beings. Form the story of the Holy Grail, we witness that Perceval is advised to go to church. This trend is common among the Christians who are ordered to worship God and this is done in churches. The aspect of worship and practice of religious beliefs in giving meaning to life is also advocated in Taoism whereby we get to know that through wisdom of the Tao, a person can cultivate peace in his/her life. The search for a deeper meaning in life can only be cultivated through understanding a person’s religion. This thought is better explained under Christianity by the story of Perceval who questions the beliefs of Christianity in the Holy Grail. His inquisitiveness is not peculiar since he want to know the answers to the many unanswered question in his life. In the Holy Grail, we witness that the Hermit keeps praying to God so that he can better understand his life and this belief, he teaches to his cousin Perceval (Troyes 58). The teachings of Taoism emphasize on looking onto Tao for the solution of all issues that we face in life. The same thought and ideas are explained in the Upanishads through the teachings brought about by the Seers. For instance, the knowledge of death makes Nachiketa come closer to God. The teachings of the Upanishads stress on the significance of understanding a person’s true self and therefore, a person will be able to appreciate and enjoy life. Among the Mesopotamian culture, religion was used to explain occurrences in daily life and enable a person to learn several lessons in life (Parmananda 67). For instance, the creation of human beings was done so that they could worship gods while the gods could keep the world in order. Moreover, religion was created when gods made human beings so that they could worship them. Consequently when human beings are in need they go to gods through prayers or worship and this relationship is exhibited in all religions. Conclusion Several lessons are learnt from the myths and practices in different religions in the world. The major lessons of relationship between gods and human beings are explored in the different religions through the use of myths. Myths are used in teaching people in the world on the different teaching and practices in the world. Some of the lessons that are learnt from these religions are the use of myths in dispersing religious knowledge. The relationship between God and human beings is one of the most fundamental reasons that explain the existence of religion. Most of these lessons are homogenous and they resonate among religions which practice different practices and worship different gods. Works Cited Parmananda, Swami. The Upanishads. New York, NY: FK Publications, 2004. Print. Troyes, Chretien de na Ruth Harwood Cline. Perceval, Or, The Story of the Grail. Athens, GA: University of Georgia Press, 1985. Print. Tzu, Lao and Hinton, David. Tao Te Ching. New York, NY: Counterpoint Press, 2001. Print. Read More